Fantasy Football News and Updates: 2013 NFL Week 14 Risky Stud Starts

December 7, 2013

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Week 14 Risky Playoff Starts

Chris Johnson - Chris Johnson has been one of the most irritating players to own in fantasy leagues over the past few seasons. CJ is a guy that seems to always disappoint his owners, and yet he manages to finish with very respectable stats year in and year out. The same is true for this year. Johnson started out very slow, but he has produced some big games over the second half of the season. Now fantasy owners are struggling over the decision to start Johnson this week when the Titans travel to Denver. On paper the matchup looks fairly favorable for Johnson as the Broncos have given up 4 rushing touchdowns and an average of 109.4 rushing yards in their last five games. The problem for CJ this week is not actually the Denver defense, but the Denver offense. Chris Johnson is the most explosive player on the Titans roster, but for some reason, the Titans seem to forget a screen pass to CJ can be just as effective as a 50 yard bomb to Justin Hunter. This week fantasy owners will have to decide if they believe the Titans will keep giving CJ the ball regardless of the numbers on the scoreboard. CJ is a great play this week if the Titans keep him involved, but he is a risky fantasy start because the Titans have shown the tendency to ignore CJ's explosiveness when they get behind in games.

Frank Gore - Gore owners have most likely bitten off all their fingernails now that they are going to have to rely on the struggling rusher to help them advance in the fantasy playoffs. Gore has been downright terrible over the 49ers last three games, but there is hope that things could change this weekend. The 49ers passing attack is finally at full strength and the Seattle secondary has been weakened by suspensions. This will add a new dynamic to this weeks matchup that could help the 49ers open up more running room for Gore. There is, however, one huge dilemma facing Gore and the 49ers this week. The 49ers will be without their starting left guard, Mike Iupati, and they could also be without their starting left tackle, Joe Staley. The 49ers offensive line held up reasonably well last week without these guys on the field against the Rams, so there is reason to optimistic. On the other side the Seahawks rushing defense has been exploited in several of their road games and Gore burned them in San Francisco last year for 131 yards on 16 carries. Gore is a baller who steps up during big games, but his recent struggles, an injured offensive line, and the tough matchup make Gore a risky start for the first round of the playoffs.

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Wes Welker - Welker has performed a disappearing act lately, and that has to be a concern for fantasy owners who were enjoying his early season success. The problem for Welker (and Decker) has been that there are only so many balls to go around. Welker has been the forgotten man lately, and while that is nerve racking for his fantasy owners, it also means the law of averages should be swinging his way. Welker is due a big game, but there is no way of knowing when it will come. The recent breakout of Decker could draw more attention his way which could open things up for Welker, but the Titans are not going to give away their defensive game plan to fantasy owners. It would be hard to find a better option than Welker on the waiver wire, and there is no worse feeling in fantasy than watching one of your studs blowup on your bench. Welker is not a lock to have a big game this week, especially since its a tough matchup, but he definitely has the potential to score lots of fantasy points and that makes him worth gambling on.

Jordan Cameron - Cameron has struggled immensely lately, but fantasy owners need to realize one thing. Cameron's poor stat lines are not a result of the Brown's forgetting to make him part of their game plan. Cameron is still getting his targets, the problem is that they are not doing much to help him. Cameron has received an average of 8 targets a game over the last three weeks, and those numbers mean that Norv Turner is going to make sure Cameron stays involved in the offense. The Browns have favorable matchups for tight ends over the next three weeks, and since Josh Gordon is going to be getting lots of defensive attention down the stretch, it's only a matter of time before Cameron breaks out in a big way. If Cameron had not been receiving targets anymore, than it would be easy to bench him or even cut him, but that has not been the case. Cameron is still getting opportunities to make plays, and that means he still has the potential to produce big games. Cameron is a risky start for sure, but since he is still getting targets, he still has upside.

RGIII - Robert Griffin has had a very rocky season, and most of his problems have been off the football field. Griffin's fantasy numbers have been a lot better than many people realize due to the fact the Redskins are having a terrible year, and Griffin was so explosive last season. Griffin has only had two awful fantasy games this year, and he is still a top 10 scoring fantasy QB in most leagues. However, Griffin does not make for an easy start this week since the Redskins are facing the Chiefs. Griffin is not a must start option any more, and that means fantasy owners should not feel bad for benching Griffin for a QB with a great matchup from the waiver wire. Even though Griffin makes for a very risky fantasy play this week, he has two great matchups on the horizon, and fantasy owners should consider starting him next week in Atlanta.

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